Posted 2 years ago on Nov. 29, 2012, 8:02 a.m. EST by WSmith
(2101)
from Cornelius, OR
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

As I'm sure you are aware, there is currently a major effort being waged by Wall Street CEOs, Republicans and some Democrats to do deficit reduction on the backs of the middle class and working families.

This could mean, among other things, significant cuts to vital programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

President Obama and the Democrats won a decisive victory on Election Day. The people have spoken and the Democratic Leadership must make it very clear that they intend to stand with the middle class and working families of our country, and not the Big Money interests. This means that in the coming weeks and months the Democrats must hold the line in demanding that deficit reduction is done in a way that is fair -- and not on the backs of the elderly, the sick, children and the poor.

As Congress reconvenes and addresses the so-called "fiscal cliff," I have outlined several ways that we can do deficit reduction without cutting the programs that working families rely on most:

At a time when the wealthiest people in our country are doing phenomenally well, we must eliminate the Bush tax cuts favoring the top 2 percent.

At a time when corporate profits are soaring, we must end the absurd tax policy that allows about one-quarter of large, profitable corporations to pay nothing in federal income taxes.

At a time when the federal treasury is losing over $100 billion annually because the wealthy and large corporations are stashing their money in tax havens in the Cayman Islands and elsewhere, we must pass real tax reform that ends this outrage.

At a time when we spend almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defense, we must cut defense spending. There is also waste in other governmental agencies which must be eliminated.

Now, is the time to hold Democrats accountable and ensure that we do deficit reduction in a way that is fair, while also protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Let me be clear. Social Security has not contributed one penny to the deficit because it is funded independently by the payroll tax. In fact, the Social Security Trust Fund today, according to the Social Security Administration, has a $2.7 trillion surplus and can pay 100 percent of all benefits owed to every eligible American for the next 21 years. Social Security, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, must be protected.

Poll after poll shows that the American people want to see deficit reduction done in a way that is fair. They do not want to see cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid while millionaires, billionaires and large corporations continue to receive huge tax breaks.

In my view, if the Republicans continue to play an obstructionist role, the president should get out of the Oval Office and travel the country. If he does that, I believe that he will find that there is no state in the country, including those that are very red, where people believe that we should give huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, while cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Right now, the Bush tax cuts are set to expire at the end of this year. That means the only way that Republicans can extend tax breaks for the wealthy and cut vital programs is if Democrats let them.

Sadly, virtually all Republicans and some Democrats are too willing to do deficit reduction in a way that hurts those who are already hurting.

Don't let them win. The Bush tax cuts must be allowed to expire. Please sign the petition today.

I look forward to working with President Obama and all members of Congress to do deficit reduction in a way that finally asks the wealthiest people in our country to pay their fair share, and that recognizes the needs of working families.

Despite the fact that we just won a major electoral victory over Big Money, Wall Street CEOs, big corporations and the millionaires and billionaires are not giving up. Defeating them will take a major grass-roots effort with millions of people getting involved in this fight.

Please, stand with me today.

Thank you,

-Bernie

Senator Bernie Sanders

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.

So tell us - just how much of an effect will the expiration of the Bush tax cuts have on the economy - none. If that money was bundeled up it would only finance the government for about 16 days.

With regard to Social Security - it will start to run out by 2016 - If you haven't realized, 70 million baby boomers will be retiring within the next 20 years.

And lastly, keep thinking that taking from the evil wealthy will solve the problem of this country - what you and a lot of the younger generation don't understand is this.

With the exit of 70 million baby boomers - there will be less spending - meaning more layoffs, more houses up for sale due to the demise of these baby boomers and as a result the housing market is going to take another dump.

You along with your comrads have better have a plan for the future of just how you expect this country to provide for your needs when the money runs out.

We are already heading the direction of Greece and when businesses get tired of people taking without contributing they will get fed up and say "screw you" I quit and shut their businesses down - just like Hoestess did.

You can blame it on management but the bottom line is 16,000 people lost their jobs and not one person not even the union would step forward to buy the company to keep those jobs - what does that tell you.

You had better wake up and start being "concerned about this country" and understand that for it to survive everyone has to contribute towards making it work, for if you don't 20 years from now you will be complaining about the same thing and the economy will be worse off then it is now.

Well the X,Y and melinium generation is doing a damm good job of not giving a shit about this country and continut to boost up china everytime you go out and buy your electonic devices.

If you haven't noticed, electronic devices were on the top of the consumers list on black Friday - all made in other countries - so don't give me any crap about the Right wing Corporate zealots that caused the problem.

Have you noticed the videos of who were running into the big box stores to get the cheap shit they bought - the X, Y and melinimum generation - that's who. You along with the rest of your buds could give a shit less about this country and you want to blame big businsess because of it.

People on Black Friday were providing reality show (Hunger Games) entertainment for the Powers That Be. Big$ throwing out crumbs to watch us fight over them. Apple is the biggest offender and gaining the most from offshored manufactured electronics, LET's BOYCOTT APPLE!!!

"In my view, if the Republicans continue to play an obstructionist role, the president should get out of the Oval Office and travel the country. If he does that, I believe that he will find that there is no state in the country, including those that are very red, where people believe that we should give huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, while cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Please stand with me in fighting for a deficit reduction plan which is fair -- Sign the petition calling on Congress to let the Bush tax cuts expire, while protecting vital programs: http://democracyforamerica.com/petitions/1?akid=2585.444079.DrchQd&rd=1&t=1"